As a new single parent, I have many things I am trying to figure out. I just got invited to join a book club by a friend. It sounds like a good thing, but I am concerned about committing myself to activities. I really don’t want to commit myself to things that will take time away from my kids. Many friends tell me that I need to get involved in my own interests, and I can see the value in that. I don’t know if I’m ready to jump into anything yet, though. (yes, I know, it is only a book club!) I’m happy to do things at school, and in other arenas where the kids are involved.

What are your thoughts on this? How do you balance it all?

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/book_club_guilt.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/book_club_guilt.trackback

We are embarking on a little road trip today to see the relatives! I am excited, because I love to go visit my family. The kids are a little less enthusiastic because we are going to a small town in eastern Ky. There is certainly not a high level of entertainment, but the love and comfort factor is through the roof!

I never looked forward to going when I was a kid. My mom seemed to be the only family member that left the mountains, ever, to go live elsewhere. So we were sort of the oddballs when we came to visit. But they all loved us just the same, and that love is such a strength to me now. Since my mom passed away years ago, I have faithfully made the trip up to visit, and renew those ties. My kids don’t know it, but they are making a connection with a place and people that are very special. They grumble now, but later on they will remember what unconditional love they received. It’s like mom said, “sometimes I have to make you girls do things that are good for you, no matter if you think otherwise”. Thanks Mom.

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/keeping_family_connections.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/keeping_family_connections.trackback

I have recently started working full-time as a result of a pending divorce. My soon-to-be ex-husband and I continually reassure our children (ages 6 and 9) that they are loved by us and have nothing to do with the situation. However, I worry about how these changes in their lives (and daily routines) are affecting them now and in the future. Does anyone have any experience or advice with this situation?

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/adjusting_to_single_parenthood.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/adjusting_to_single_parenthood.trackback

I was sitting at the dinner table the other night with my kids. It had been a lively dinner, with interesting conversation. The best manners were not always used, and there was a fair amount of interrupting and kidding back and forth. My daughter made a remark that I should give them “obedience training”! I laughed and told her it was probably a little too late for that!

When it is just the three of us, I tend to be fairly relaxed. I know I have raised them well, and I know, that they know how to behave around others. I think that home is the place where you can be goofy and let your guard down. Her comment made me wonder whether I am too relaxed, though. Any thoughts about this?

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/obedience_training.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/obedience_training.trackback

I have downsized quite a bit in the last few months. It makes you realize how much stuff you own that you really don’t need. I have never been much of a pack rat, but I still was able to accumulate many things. And I used most of it on a regular basis. I now have a lot less, and I manage quite well.

The things I miss are mostly utilitarian. Right now I miss all the different sizes of pots and pans. I may have downsized a little too much in that area. I miss all the arts and crafts supplies that we collected over the years, so the kids could create some masterpiece from pipe cleaners, foam cutouts and fuzzy balls and bells. I’m a little conflicted about whether to try and stay minimalist or start back on the path of accumulation.

How do you find the balance with all the “stuff”?

Permalink:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/holding_on_to_stuff.html

Trackback URL:
http://community.connectwithkids.com/post/parentingalone/holding_on_to_stuff.trackback